Courage in the Bible Belt: Thought-Provoking Conversations That Challenge & Change

In Episode 6, Part 1, the team travels to Sarasota, Florida, a key stop on their tour due to its deep ties to Moms for Liberty and conservative politics. With the support of Harvest Church and KK Burchell, the team navigates faith, LGBTQ+ rights, and Christian Nationalism in a community resistant to these conversations. Despite initial concerns from a local pastor, the event received overwhelmingly positive engagement, even among conservative attendees.

The Hijacking of Faith for Political GainThe episode explores how religion has been weaponized to shape public policy. Pastor Dan Minor shares how his LGBTQ+ advocacy put him at odds with Sarasota’s dominant ideology, leading to backlash and a loss of 70% of his congregation. He highlights Moms for Liberty's fear-based rhetoric, including their disturbing use of a Hitler quote to justify their movement. In response, Dan has countered harmful narratives at school board meetings, advocating for love, inclusion, and historical truth.

A Battle for Human Rights & Mental HealthBeyond Sarasota, the team examines the broader fight for LGBTQ+ rights, particularly the mental health crisis exacerbated by religious-based discrimination. Statistics show LGBTQ+ youth face significantly higher suicide risks, reinforcing the urgency for faith leaders to speak out rather than remain complicit in harm.

Bridging Divides Through ConversationGuests Brian Nietzel & Kelly Mellen from Making Things Right discuss reconciling faith with LGBTQ+ inclusion, emphasizing compassion and constructive dialogue. Kelly, a former conservative, shares how real-world consequences of exclusionary policies led her to advocate for change.

Lindsay Booker: A Southern Progressive VoiceSocial media activist Lindsay Booker (formerly Bham Blue Dot) shares her journey from Republican to progressive advocate. A single question—“What about the elderly and disabled?”—sparked her critical examination of privilege and conservative ideologies. Now, she uses her Southern voice to challenge right-wing narratives, mobilizing voters at the local level, where policy shifts have the most direct impact. Lindsay warns that conservatives have long played the "long game" in local politics—and progressives must do the same to protect fundamental rights.

Content Warning: 

Talk of Suicide and Self Harm: 

From the Creators of 1946: The Mistranslation That Shifted Culture. 

Hosts Brent Roberts and Sharon “Rocky” Roggio recap The 1946 Culture Shift Tour Across America in a 9 Episode Web-Series / Podcast.  Check it out! www.1946themovie.com.

@mybrokerbrent https://www.instagram.com/mybrokerbrent/

@rockyroggio  https://www.instagram.com/rockyroggio/

Crew - Filmed, Recorded and Edited by: Eliot Sandusky Peterson @eliotpeterson

Special Guests: Pastor Dan Minor https://www.harvestsarasota.com/our-staff/dan-and-estrella-minor/

Brian Nietzel -  https://briannietzel.com/ 

Kelly Mellen - makingthingsright.org 

Lindsay Booker -  @bhamprogressive https://www.instagram.com/bhamprogressive/

Mentions: 

@unconventionalpastorpaul https://www.instagram.com/unconventionalpastorpaul/

@freemomhugs https://www.instagram.com/freemomhugs/

@realmamabears https://www.instagram.com/realmamabears/

Moms for Liberty - https://www.momsforliberty.org/

Dr. David Gushee https://www.davidpgushee.com/

Pastor Dan Minor Speaks At Florida School Board Meeting

https://www.facebook.com/solomonswords/posts/pastor-dan-minor-speaks-at-florida-school-board-meeting/4634863513219401/

MTR Connect | Trans Stories with Grace Thomas and Lucas Hall

https://www.youtube.com/@briannietzel

Making Things Right http://makingthingsright.org/ 

Southern Circuit Tour: https://www.southarts.org/programs/southern-circuit-tour-independent-filmmakers

Church Sponsors: Harvest Church https://www.harvestsarasota.com/

Special Thanks: KK Burchell,  LEC Coordinator & Worship Director at Harvest Church 

Pastor:  Dan Minor 

Supported by UNCUT STUDIOS DTLA  and  Making Things Right the series amplifies marginalized voices and celebrates the resilience and unity of LGBTQIA+ communities.

UNCUT STUDIOS DTLA https://www.instagram.com/uncutstudiosdtla/

Step into a studio unlike any other, designed for bold visions and endless creativity.

Making Things Right http://makingthingsright.org/ 
Making Things Right is an initiative that seeks to rethink the Christian response and responsibility to LGBTQ+ people. You might be a friend or a parent of an LGBTQ+ individual, trying to reconcile your love for them with your beliefs. You may be a church leader looking for better ways to navigate an often divisive dialogue. For anyone weary of the debates and looking for more productive conversation, visit makingthingsright.org to learn more.